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WK180-C Review

In Canada, AR15s and variants are restricted-class firearms, which means that they’re registered and they go to the range and back; that’s about it. They can’t be used for hunting or plinking and you need the upgraded restricted class license in order to own one. Since that’s so much of a pain, most people would prefer a non restricted firearm, but many of them just don’t approach the accuracy, ergonomics, cost, and flexibility of the AR15 platform. In recent years, the ATRS Modern Varminter and the very new Maccabee SLR have started to pop up, but they’re typically over the $2000 mark to get a complete rifle. The Wolverine Supplies WK180C is a ~$1100 variant of the non restricted AR180B. It’s a semi-automatic, piston-driven rifle in .223/5.56 made in Canada.

Unlike a true AR15, you can get a folding stock for it without a care for your buffer and spring (since it doesn’t have one in the buffer tube), and the bolt doesn’t get as dirty because it’s piston driven.

WK180C Weight and Balance

I thought I’d do some measurements.

WK180C with no optics (empty): 3.18kg

WK180C with a 1-4 Vortex Viper and Magpul CTR stock: 3.74kg

AR #1 (16″ SPR barrel, 1-6 PA scope, ACS-L stock): 4.02kg

AR #2 (16″ M4 barrel, no optics, no trigger/hammer, M4 stock): 2.73kg

Balance point on the 180C is about 3/4 to the front of the magwell, at the pivot point on one of my ARs (SPR barrel 16″), and very front of the magwell (16″ M4 profile barrel). Magwell to grip relation is identical on both guns, but the 180 has a longer rear by about 1.5″ due to the stock adapter. Functionally, that’ll mean you might have to use 2 positions less on your 6 position AR stock to maintain the same length of pull, but the balance should be nearly identical to a well kitted out AR. Of course, a lighter profile, shorter barrel(12-14.5″) AR is going to balance further to the rear.

The weight of the WK180C forend is 6.65oz (189 grams), pretty good!

WK180C Accuracy

I found the accuracy to be excellent given the price point. Group sizes for commercial hunting-grade 223 were around 0.75″-1.5″, and “blaster 223″ gave me around 2-3” groups.

No shell deflector, so the brass starts to mark up the finish (unless you put on those Magpul rail covers)

It’s got a chunky ass. Some guys are into that though

Conclusion

Non Restricted access to AR platform upgrades for $1100 using mostly aluminum construction that should last longer than plastic. Unlike most of our non restricted rifles under $2500, this would be entirely suitable for shooting a 3 gun match after you’ve upgraded the trigger. Price point wise, it’s competing against firearms with worse ergonomics like the T97, less AR-like platforms like the Mini-14, and the plastic fantastic SU-16. None of those grant the upgrade-ability and customization available in the WK180C. As an intro to the platform, it’s completely unmatched at this price point. For about the same money, you can get into an SLR or Modern Sporter which offer a more true AR experience while still being non restricted, but you’ll still need to spend another $1000-$1500 to build the dang thing so it’s hard to compare them head-to-head to the WK180C. Overall, it’s a good platform at an excellent price, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a runaway success in sales.

WK180C

Right side

10 round pistol mag

M-Lok Forend

My added on QD mount

Bolt cam pin

About Adriel

Adriel has been hunting all his life and tries to apply a practical point of views to his reviews. Find the Hunting Gear guy on Facebook or YouTube